Southernism of the Week: “Grinning like a possum eating a sweet potato.” I guess possums really like sweet potatoes. 🤷‍♂️

Kris has a new Cat Café sweet romance coming out soon:

Twenty-three years ago, Fiona Jones gave up her baby for adoption when her teen fiancé abandoned her. Since then, she has spent most of her life alone. A chance meeting with a stranger on a plane leads to meeting her grown-up daughter. Sean helps steady Fiona through the emotional roller coaster of getting to know Holly. They grow closer, but life is too complicated to make room for romance – isn’t it?

Would you like to read an advance copy for free? Request a review copy of Cupcakes and Confessions at the Cat Café here. (Setting up an account is a few steps, and then you can request additional review copies of Kris and Doug’s books plus those from other authors.)

In return, I’d appreciate if you would a) Let me know if you notice any typos, confusing sections, or other problems, and/or b) Post a review when the book is available for purchase.

Southern Treat of the Week: Coca Cola Cake: Do you find chocolate cake not sweet enough? Here's a solution – add Coca-Cola! Try a recipe.

Doug's Rom Com faves: Looking for a new rom-com movie? Try “The Half of It,” available on Netflix. It’s the story of a shy, introverted student, Ellie, who helps the school jock woo a girl whom, secretly, they both want. It’s the Cyrano de Bergerac story filtered through high school, with an LGBTQ+ spin. The characters are complex, the cast is delightful, and the dialogue smart and funny. It was nominated for Best Screenplay at this year’s Spirit Awards.

When Romance Met Comedy – Caroline Siede examines the history of the rom-com through the years, one happily ever after (or not) at a time.

A scene from New Mexico: Fossilized Jabba the Hutt.

Find New Authors and Books

Sugarlips (Beefcakes Book 2), by Katana Collins: "Somehow, my drunken decree making Liam Evans my best friend works and we decide to open a food truck together—The Dump Truck… a late-night junk food truck servicing the broken-hearted." The first book is well reviewed and readers say it's funny and fun.

Summer is coming! Celebrate the end of the school year by giving your favorite middle grade readers some books to read simply for fun. Get a fantasy novel, family humor, and travel – free or only 99 cents – suitable for middle grade kids (9-12) and up. See the books here.

Doug writes humorous Christian short stories as Jacob Love. The Apostles Ate Stew is a collection of humorous Easter and springtime stories about the misadventures of the congregation, clergy, and staff of a small-town church as they make sacrifices for Lent, hold sunrise service on a particularly cold Easter morning, see their children's egg hunts disrupted by excessively spirited youngsters, and experience a miracle during a pancake breakfast... plus much more! Get these in paperback or check out the ebook options.

Counterfeits: An Art Theft Romantic Suspense is on sale for 99 cents 4/23-30.

“Counterfeits is “the kind of romantic suspense novel I have enjoyed since I first read Mary Stewart’s Moonspinners.” – Roberta at Sensuous Reviews blog

“Kris Bock is a mystery mastermind”! – ReadersFavorites

Visit Kris Bock’s Amazon US page or Amazon UK page. (For other countries click here but it's not on sale)

The Genie’s Gift, a middle grade novel for ages 9+, is only 99 cents until April 25. This lighthearted action novel set in the 15-century Middle East draws on the mythology of The Arabian Nights.

Shy and timid Anise determines to find the Genie Shakayak and claim the Gift of Sweet Speech. But the way is barred by a series of challenges, both ordinary and magical. How will Anise get past a vicious she-ghoul, a sorceress who turns people to stone, and mysterious sea monsters, when she can’t even speak in front of strangers?

See Chris’s books on Amazon or Amazon UK. (For other countries click here.)

Thanks for reading! You're receiving this because you chose to sign up for our newsletter. If you want to unsubscribe, no problem – see below. Go here to get your free preview of the new series. Felony Melanie and the Moonshiner’s Cabin stands alone as a short story.